February 19, 2026
After signing in free agency on a modest two-year contract, Chicago Cubs starting pitcher
Matthew Boyd entered 2025 profiling as a quality depth arm but little more. The 35-year-old instead delivered a career season, posting a 14-8 record with a 3.21 ERA, 1.09 WHIP, and 154 strikeouts across 179 2/3 innings pitched (31 starts). Still, a look under the hood at Boyd could reveal that he's a prime regression candidate in 2026. Across 68 innings after the All-Star break, Boyd posted a 4.63 ERA. Additionally, with a below-average 21.4% strikeout rate, Boyd is unlikely to provide significant help to fantasy managers in the strikeout category. The veteran lefty also remains a significant health risk, as 2025 was his first time throwing more than 78 2/3 innings in a season since 2019. Boyd has a spot in the Cubs' rotation, which gives him a chance to rack up wins as long as he can stay on the mound. However, fantasy managers may want to price in some regression back to career norms and health risk before targeting him in drafts.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
February 19, 2026
In 2024, while pitching for the Minnesota Twins, Tampa Bay Rays relief pitcher
Griffin Jax emerged as one of the best high-leverage arms in baseball. Jax's performance declined in 2025, as he finished the year with a 4.23 ERA, 1.29 WHIP, and 99 strikeouts across 66 innings split between Minnesota and Tampa Bay. Still, Jax posted an elite 35% strikeout rate, and his ERA improved to a more manageable 3.60 across 23 appearances with the Rays after being acquired mid-season. Heading into 2026, Jax appears to be competing with right-hander
Edwin Uceta and left-hander
Garrett Cleavinger for the closer job in Tampa Bay. Rays manager Kevin Cash is known for using multiple relievers in the ninth inning, so the most likely scenario is that Jax will not see 100% of the team's save opportunities. However, given his ability to rack up strikeouts, he could be a useful relief option for fantasy managers even if he remains in a part-time closer role. With a current average draft position of pick 233, Jax could ultimately end up providing significant value for managers in the middle rounds of drafts.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
February 19, 2026
Across 695 plate appearances in 2025, San Francisco Giants outfielder
Heliot Ramos hit .256/.328/.400 with 21 home runs, 69 RBI, 85 runs scored, and six stolen bases. While Ramos' production doesn't jump off the page, he established himself as an everyday regular in the San Francisco lineup. The 26-year-old also made significant strides in terms of swing-and-miss, lowering his strikeout rate from 26.1% in 2024 to 22.7% in 2025. However, Ramos sacrificed some power to make contact more often, as his barrel rate dropped from 14.5% to 8.8%. His isolated slugging percentage dropped over 50 points, and he hit one fewer home run despite logging nearly 200 more plate appearances. If Ramos can combine the best aspects of his 2025 approach with the power he displayed in 2024, he could be in line for a breakout season. However, he may ultimately settle in at the overall level he showed in 2025, which could put him at risk of losing playing time with the Giants.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
February 19, 2026
Colorado Rockies shortstop
Ezequiel Tovar battled through a down year in 2025, posting a .253/.294/.400 slash line with nine home runs, 33 RBI, 44 runs scored, and five stolen bases in 390 plate appearances. Hip and groin injuries limited the 24-year-old to just 95 games played. With a career strikeout rate of 27.3% and a career walk rate of 4.1%, Tovar's plate skills leave a lot to be desired. He also makes a good amount of soft contact, as he's never posted a hard-hit rate above 40% in any of his four big league seasons. Still, while not a perfect player, Tovar had been an above-average compiler for fantasy managers in 2024, collecting 26 home runs across 695 plate appearances. Playing his home games at the hitter-friendly Coors Field has also helped Tovar run a career batting average on balls in play of .331, which mitigates the impact of his below-average strikeout rate. As long as he's healthy, Tovar should see everyday playing time at the top of the Colorado batting order, and could be a strong buy-low candidate for fantasy managers at the shortstop position.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
February 19, 2026
Tampa Bay Rays shortstop
Wander Franco is said to be "confident and optimistic" ahead of a new trial on charges of sexual abuse of a minor in the Dominican Republic, per Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times. Franco was found guilty of the charges in June, but both sides appealed the decision, leading to the ordering of a new trial, which begins Friday. The 24-year-old has not appeared in an MLB game since August of 2023 and remains on the league's restricted list. If found guilty in the new trial, Franco could face stricter punishment, including jail time. If cleared of the charges, he would likely still face an uphill battle to make it back to the big leagues and could still be subject to a suspension from MLB.
--Will BradySource: Tampa Bay Times - Marc Topkin
February 19, 2026
It makes sense for the Seattle Seahawks to keep as much of their offense the same going into the 2026 season after winning Super Bowl LX, and new offensive coordinator Brian Fleury said on Thursday during a press conference that the team's "offense will have continuity from 2025." Fleury also plans to have a dynamic running game while keeping things friendly for quarterback
Sam Darnold in the red zone. Maintaining a dynamic ground attack in Seattle could be difficult if the team doesn't re-sign impending free-agent running back
Kenneth Walker III, who was named Super Bowl MVP. Fleury was the San Francisco 49ers' run-game coordinator and tight ends coach in 2025, and previous OC Klint Kubiak (now the Raiders' head coach) previously served as the Niners' passing-game coordinator. It won't be easy for Fleury to fill Kubiak's shoes, especially since this will be his first time as an offensive play-caller.
--Keith HernandezSource: Seattle Seahawks
February 19, 2026
Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder
Lourdes Gurriel Jr. (knee), who is recovering from a torn ACL in his right knee that he suffered last September, has been ahead of schedule in his rehab to the point where he thinks he could be ready for Opening Day, according to MLB.com's Steve Gilbert. Gurriel took live batting practice on Tuesday in camp and has been running the bases. However, manager Torey Lovullo already said that the 32-year-old Cuban outfielder won't be an option on Opening Day.
Alek Thomas, who has been a mainstay in center field for the Sankes in the last three years, has started taking fly balls in left field this spring.
Corbin Carroll (hand) also had surgery to remove a broken hamate bone from his hand, but he has a realistic chance to be ready for Opening Day. With an unknown timetable on Gurriel, he's currently outside RotoBaller's top-100 fantasy outfield rankings entering 2026.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com - Steve Gilbert
February 19, 2026
Tampa Bay Rays right-hander
Drew Rasmussen will take the hill on Opening Day on March 26 against the St. Louis Cardinals, according to Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times. Rasmussen gets the nod after exceeding expectations last year in his first full season back from right-elbow surgery. The 30-year-old veteran was a first-time All-Star in his sixth year in the big leagues and went 10-5 with a 2.76 ERA (3.84 FIP), 1.02 WHIP, career-high 127 strikeouts, and 37 walks in 150 innings pitched over 31 starts. Still, fantasy managers need to remember that Rasmussen has had three elbow surgeries in his career. The Rays could loosen the leash a bit in terms of his workload in 2026, but they will still probably be somewhat cautious, given his injury history. You can't argue with Rasmussen's results when he's been healthy, though, as he has the fourth-best ERA among all pitchers in the last five years. He has a decent floor as a No. 4 starting pitcher in fantasy.
--Keith HernandezSource: Tampa Bay Times - Marc Topkin
February 19, 2026
Atlanta Braves right-hander
Reynaldo Lopez consistently sat around 93 mph and hit 94 mph during the second inning of his live batting practice session in camp on Thursday, according to Mark Bowman of MLB.com. Lopez "seems to be where he needs to be in February." The 32-year-old former reliever has proven he can be effective as a big-league starter at 94-95 mph, with the ability to dial up 98 mph when he needs it. Lopez is attempting to return from a lost season in 2025, in which he made just one start for Atlanta before having arthroscopic right-shoulder surgery. He's back to full health now, though, and is looking to bounce back to his All-Star form in 2024, when he went 8-5 with a career-best 1.99 ERA, 1.11 WHIP, and 148:42 K:BB in 135 2/3 frames. Expecting a repeat of his 2024 success would be foolish. Lopez has only gone over 70 innings in a season once since 2019, and he's a good bet to be moved back to a relief role later in 2026. He's outside RotoBaller's top-100 starting pitcher rankings.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com - Mark Bowman
February 19, 2026
MLB.com's Christina De Nicola reports that the Miami Marlins are expected to go with pitchers
Sandy Alcantara,
Eury Perez,
Max Meyer,
Braxton Garrett, and
Chris Paddack in their five-man starting rotation to begin the 2026 season, leaving left-handed pitching prospect
Thomas White on the outside looking in. It shouldn't come as a big surprise, as White is only 21 years old and has made only two starts for Triple-A Jacksonville. He will most likely begin this season back at Jacksonville, but if injuries arise to Miami's starting rotation during the year, he'll be one of the team's top options to plug any holes. In three minor-league levels in 2025, White went 4-3 with a 2.31 ERA, 1.18 WHIP, and 145:51 K: BB in 89 2/3 innings over 21 starts at High-A Beloit, Double-A Pensacola, and Jacksonville. The 6-foot-5 southpaw is a great dynasty/keeper league stash, but he must tighten up his control before he'll be allowed to make his MLB debut.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com - Christina De Nicola
February 19, 2026
Miami Marlins left-handed pitching prospect
Robby Snelling is not projected to make the team's Opening Day starting rotation, according to Christina De Nicola of MLB.com. Barring injuries, the Marlins project to roll with
Sandy Alcantara,
Eury Perez,
Max Meyer,
Braxton Garrett, and
Chris Paddack as their five starting pitchers. The 22-year-old Snelling was named the Marlins' Minor-League Pitcher of the Year in 2025 after he went 9-7 with a 2.51 ERA and 1.11 WHIP with 166 strikeouts and only 39 walks in 136 innings over 25 starts with Double-A Pensacola and Triple-A Jacksonville. If an injury strikes Miami's rotation at any point this year, which it inevitably will, Snelling could very well be the next man up for the Fish. The former top-100 prospect had a 1.27 ERA, 0.99 WHIP, and 26.0 K-BB% in 11 starts at Triple-A. Snelling is a must-stash in dynasty/keeper leagues with good stuff, great command, and durability.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com - Christina De Nicola
February 19, 2026
Cleveland Guardians manager
Stephen Vogt said that outfielder
Steven Kwan will get some reps in center field this spring, according to Tim Stebbins of MLB.com. The Guardians are searching for the best possible outfield alignment. Kwan has won the American League Gold Glove award in left field in each of his four seasons with the team. In addition to the 28-year-old,
Chase DeLauter,
Daniel Schneemann, and
Angel Martinez also figure to play in center during spring training for Cleveland. Kwan had his second straight season of double-digit home runs, but he still only hit 11 bombs while slashing .272/.330/.374 with a career-low .705 OPS, career-high 56 RBI, 81 runs scored, and 21 stolen bases in 156 regular-season games. He has great discipline as the leadoff hitter for the Guards and will also provide plenty of runs scored, a strong average, and stolen bases, but you'll need to get your power elsewhere.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com - Tim Stebbins
February 19, 2026
Tampa Bay Rays high-leverage right-handed reliever
Edwin Uceta (shoulder) tested his "cranky" shoulder in camp on Thursday and "didn't feel great" the longer he played catch, according to manager Kevin Cash. Uceta will see a doctor, according to Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times. It's not great news for the 28-year-old, who is expected to be in a closer committee in Tampa after recording six saves in the last two seasons for the Rays. Even if the Dominican hurler doesn't have any structural damage in his right shoulder, he could be forced to open the 2026 season on the injured list. If Uceta's injury is significant enough to keep him sidelined to begin the campaign, both
Griffin Jax and
Garrett Cleavinger should see more save opportunities for the Rays. Uceta had a 3.79 ERA (3.69 FIP), 1.17 WHIP, and one save in 76 frames last year. He was one of just five relievers with 100-plus strikeouts.
--Keith HernandezSource: Tampa Bay Times - Marc Topkin
February 19, 2026
New York Mets right-hander
Kodai Senga was up to 97 mph during his live batting practice session in camp on Friday, manager
Carlos Mendoza told Anthony DiComo of MLB.com. For reference, Senga only hit 97 mph four times after the All-Star break last year. The 33-year-old Japanese hurler had a nice 3.02 ERA (4.12 FIP) and 1.31 WHIP with 109 strikeouts and 55 walks in 113 1/3 innings over 22 starts in 2025 in his third year in the league, but he struggled after the All-Star break and eventually finished the year in the minor leagues. Senga's strikeout rate fell to 22.6%, but his velocity increase this spring is a good sign that he can bounce back in 2026. RotoBaller has Senga ranked as the No. 90 fantasy starting pitcher because of his rough finish to last season, but a bounce-back could be coming, making him a value target in upcoming drafts. Senga's fall in 2025 was likely related to a hamstring injury that threw his mechanics off.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com - Anthony DiComo
February 19, 2026
Tampa Bay Buccaneers first-round wide receiver
Emeka Egbuka came out of the gates as a clear favorite for Offensive Rookie of the Year, racking up 445 receiving yards and five touchdowns in the first five games of his career. Unfortunately, a Week 6 hamstring tweak and an inexplicable lack of chemistry with quarterback
Baker Mayfield limited him to only 493 yards and one touchdown over his next 12 games. While neither Egbuka nor Mayfield missed a start, they were both clearly affected by injury at points throughout the year. With
Chris Godwin Jr.,
Mike Evans, and
Jalen McMillan in and out of the lineup with injuries of their own, Egbuka was never able to find a late-season rhythm as he worked to break through the rookie wall. Mike Evans has recently suggested he would be open to continuing his career outside of Tampa Bay, which could open a massive opportunity for Egbuka in year two. However, if the Buccaneers run it back in 2026 with the same foursome atop the depth chart, he may still struggle to find a consistent role and be viewed as a better-in-best-ball wideout.
--Patrick McGrathSource: RotoBaller
February 19, 2026
Toronto Raptors forward/center
Collin Murray-Boyles (thumb) is listed as probable after missing his team's last game before the break with a left thumb sprain. He was able to play in the Rising Stars event, though, so the injury doesn't seem like it will cost him extended playing time going forward. Murray-Boyles could get a little extra playing time on Thursday, depending on the final status of
Sandro Mamukelashvili (rib, questionable). If Mamu is out, Murray-Boyles will get more minutes in their timeshare with
Jakob Poeltl, who just returned from an extended absence with a back injury. If all three big men are available, Murray-Boyles should still get enough work to be usable in most formats, but he will have a much lower ceiling with a smaller workload.
--Zach ThompsonSource: NBA Injury Report
February 19, 2026
Since signing with the New England Patriots in 2021, tight end
Hunter Henry has turned in a top-12 finish in three of five seasons, never finishing below TE21. While he lacks the big game consistency to stay off the waiver wire in redraft formats, he's the exact type of player drafters should be targeting in the later rounds of best ball drafts, especially in three-tight-end builds. Henry has become a trusted red zone weapon for
Drake Maye and has five multi-touchdown games in his career, providing occasional week-winning spikes that can be difficult to predict when streaming the position. Henry finished as the TE7 in 2025 and is currently going outside the top 12 at the position in early best ball drafts.
--Patrick McGrathSource: RotoBaller
February 19, 2026
Chicago Bulls center/forward
Jalen Smith (calf) is listed as probable for his team's first game after the All-Star break on Thursday night against the Raptors. Smith has been very productive when available since the Bulls are thin in the frontcourt after trading
Nikola Vucevic at the trade deadline. He missed the last three games before the break with a calf injury, and
Guerschon Yabusele started in his place, with
Nick Richards also getting extended run. Smith should get most of the minutes when he's healthy and has a chance to put together great numbers the rest of the way if he's healthy and can come close to maintaining his per-minute production this season.
--Zach ThompsonSource: NBA Injury Report
February 19, 2026
Chicago Bulls guard
Tre Jones (hamstring) was upgraded from questionable to probable and will likely make his return on Thursday, when the Bulls host the Raptors. Jones and
Josh Giddey (hamstring) have both missed time with hamstring issues, and while they were out, the team made several moves to shake up the backcourt. Jones and Giddey will likely be playing limited minutes in their returns on Thursday, so they may not play their full workload. In the bigger picture, it will be fascinating to see how the roles are defined now that the team has
Collin Sexton,
Jaden Ivey, and
Anfernee Simons all looking for usage and minutes in the backcourt.
--Zach ThompsonSource: NBA Injury Report
February 19, 2026
Washington Commanders running back
Jacory Croskey-Merritt was a seventh-round pick in 2025 following an unorthodox finish to his college career, and he became a popular sleeper pick heading into his first season. With the Commanders' running back room lacking obvious star talent, the path was there for the explosive young back to claim the top spot. Following an early-season injury to
Austin Ekeler, Croskey-Merritt was given multiple chances to secure the role. While he was never able to take a stranglehold of the position, injuries and ineffectiveness around him never let him stray too far from relevance. With Ekeler set to hit the open market and
Chris Rodriguez Jr. a restricted free agent, Washington will likely bring in another back to compete for touches. However, after putting up two of his best games against divisional foes over the final month of the season, Croskey-Merritt should have every chance to compete for a primary role again in 2026.
--Patrick McGrathSource: RotoBaller
February 19, 2026
Toronto Raptors center
Sandro Mamukelashvili (rib) is listed as questionable for Thursday's matchup with the Bulls in the Windy City, due to a right rib contusion. The Raptors just got
Jakob Poeltl back in action before the break, and he'll probably remain on a minutes restriction for a while. Mamukelashvili and
Collin Murray-Boyles (thumb, probable) will continue to share time behind Poeltl if they're both available on Thursday, making each a high-risk play if everyone is healthy. Mamukelashvili definitely brings potential when he gets work, but his role is uncertain even if he does play through this rib injury on Thursday.
--Zach ThompsonSource: NBA Injury Report
February 19, 2026
Indiana Pacers forward/center
Micah Potter (ankle) is listed as questionable for Thursday's matchup, and he'll be a key player to watch for DFS contests and streaming options in a great matchup against the Wizards. He had 19 points and 12 rebounds in 27 minutes in his last game before the All-Star break against the Nets and could play a huge role on Thursday since
Pascal Siakam (personal) is away from the team, and
Ivica Zubac (ankle) also remains out. If Potter is unable to play through the injury,
Jay Huff and
Jarace Walker would have even more work to do in the frontcourt in this smash spot against Washington.
--Zach ThompsonSource: NBA Injury Report
February 19, 2026
Third-year Jacksonville wide receiver
Parker Washington led all Jaguars pass catchers with 58 receptions for 847 yards in 2025, while his five touchdown grabs trailed only running back
Travis Etienne Jr. With rumblings that second overall pick
Travis Hunter will be used primarily on the defensive side of the ball in year two, the Jaguars' wide receiver room is wide open heading into 2026.
Brian Thomas Jr. was unable to follow up on his Pro Bowl rookie season, while veteran
Jakobi Meyers became an integral piece of Jacksonville's offense following a mid-season trade. With either just as capable as Washington of leading the room, and Hunter unlikely to be entirely phased out of the offense, whoever ends up as the de facto number one could still struggle to crack 1,000 yards or double-digit touchdowns, and will be difficult to trust week-in and week-out, making all of them more valuable in best ball formats.
--Patrick McGrathSource: RotoBaller
February 19, 2026
The Los Angeles Chargers selected running back
Omarion Hampton 22nd overall in the 2025 NFL Draft, but ankle injuries limited the talented rookie to only nine regular-season games. Even still, the 22-year-old out of North Carolina showed enough in his first season to make him a popular breakout candidate heading into 2026. Following a season-ending injury to
Najee Harris in Week 3, Hampton exploded for his best game of the season, with 165 total yards and a touchdown in a Week 4 loss to the Giants. While he would play only five more games for the rest of the year, mostly behind an injury-ravaged offensive line, he continued to run hard, averaging 4.4 yards per carry while staying steadily involved in the passing game. Assuming a full return to health by both Hampton and the line in front of him, the second year back could be knocking on a top-five fantasy finish in Mike McDaniel's offense in 2026.
--Patrick McGrathSource: RotoBaller
February 19, 2026
Memphis Grizzlies guard
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (finger) is going to undergo surgery to address the misalignment of his right pinky finger, and after the surgery, the team should be able to provide a firmer timeline of when he'll be able to return this season, if at all. KCP gets plenty of minutes when healthy, but is not a major fantasy contributor. Without him, there is more time for
Jaylen Wells,
Ty Jerome,
Scotty Pippen Jr., and the rest of the Grizzlies younger options in the backcourt and on the wings. The Grizzlies spot in the standings makes it unlikely they push their veterans to return and instead use the rest of the year to evaluate players who could have a role in the future.
--Zach ThompsonSource: Brett Siegel
February 19, 2026
Memphis Grizzlies point guard
Ja Morant (elbow) has not played since Jan. 21 and has been limited to only 20 games this season due to multiple injuries. He'll be sidelined for at least a couple more weeks due to discomfort from his UCL sprain. He is averaging 19.5 points, 8.1 assists, and 3.3 rebounds per game when available, but the Grizzlies made an attempt to trade their former star at the trade deadline and were unable to find any takers. He doesn't seem to be in the team's plans, although he could return late in the season to try and increase his value. He'll be re-evaluated in two weeks, and until then,
Ty Jerome,
Scotty Pippen Jr., and
Cam Spencer will continue to run the point for the Grizz.
--Zach ThompsonSource: Brett Siegel
February 19, 2026
Philadelphia Eagles right tackle Lane Johnson (foot) told The Philadelphia Inquirer's Jeff McLane on Thursday that he is officially returning for a 14th season with the Eagles. It will be big to have the future Hall of Fame right tackle back as head coach Nick Sirianni alters the offense under new offensive coordinator
Sean Mannion in 2026. On top of that, Philly will have a new offensive-line coach after Jeff Stoutland resigned. Chris Kuper will be taking over responsibilities, and the scheme on the O-line is likely to change. The 35-year-old Johnson missed the final eight games of last season, including the loss in the postseason to the San Francisco 49ers, with a Lisfranc foot injury. He has continued his rehab early this offseason as he works to regain full strength, and he should be ready to go by Week 1 this fall. Johnson's return is excellent news for the Eagles' offense in 2026, primarily for quarterback
Jalen Hurts and running back
Saquon Barkley.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Philadelphia Inquirer - Jeff McLane
February 19, 2026
Cleveland Guardians pitchers
Emmanuel Clase and
Luis L. Ortiz entered not guilty pleas while being accused of colluding with sports bettors to rig bets, according to The Associated Press. The pitchers were first charged in November with accepting several thousand dollars in payoffs to help two gamblers from their native Dominican Republic win at least $460,000 by placing more than 100 in-game prop bets and parlays on the speed and outcome of certain pitches. Charges against them include wire-fraud conspiracy and conspiracy to influence sporting contests. Clase and Ortiz have been on non-disciplinary paid leave since July. Lawyers for both men have insisted their clients never colluded with gamblers. Clase is a three-time All-Star and had a $4.5 million salary in 2025. If convicted on all charges, the 27-year-old faces a maximum of 65 years in prison.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Associated Press
February 19, 2026
Detroit Tigers infield prospect
Kevin McGonigle will start at shortstop in the team's Grapefruit League opener on Saturday, manager A.J. Hinch told Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press. The Athletic's Cody Stavenhagen reports that McGonigle "has taken reps mostly at shortstop" in camp, and it's clear that the Tigers still view him as a long-term shortstop. Nobody in the Tigers organization has done anything to shut the idea of McGonigle making the Opening Day roster down. "His actions at shortstop look smoother than they did a year ago at this time," writes Stavenhagen. The 21-year-old is still stating his case for a shot to open the 2026 season in the big leagues. The consensus No. 2 prospect in the sport is the purist minor-league hitter, while his power and speed are still developing. McGonigle figures to be in the big leagues sooner than later as Detroit's starting shortstop and potential No. 2 hitter.
--Keith HernandezSource: Detroit Free Press - Evan Petzold
February 19, 2026
Philadelphia Phillies right-handed pitching prospect
Andrew Painter continues to draw rave reviews in spring training, according to John Clark of NBC Sports. "He looks great. I caught his bullpen yesterday. Shoot, I want to say it was 98, 99. It's just easy. It doesn't look like he's throwing max effort. It's still coming out that firm. He is kind of like Wheeler. His stuff is so elite, and he's still able to throw the ball on the edges (command)," catcher
J.T. Realmuto said. Manager Rob Thomson said on Wednesday that Painter's command appears to be back after he struggled a bit to throw strikes in 2025 in his first full season back from Tommy John surgery. The 22-year-old former top prospect should be rising up draft boards this spring and has a real shot to crack the team's Opening Day rotation with
Zack Wheeler (shoulder) injured. RotoBaller has Painter ranked as the No. 97 fantasy starting pitcher, but he has the stuff to break out in his first MLB season while being another year removed from elbow surgery.
--Keith HernandezSource: NBC Sports Philadelphia - John Clark
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